Category Archives: Selecting an Investment Advisor

Alternative Investments, Endowments, Endowments and Foundations, ESG, Fiduciary Advisor, Foundations, Nonprofits, Planned Giving, Selecting an Endowment or Foundation Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

The Enduring Legacy: How Planned Giving is Revolutionizing Nonprofit Endowments

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
23
Jun

 

The world has changed dramatically in recent years, and with it, the landscape of philanthropy. The pandemic, while presenting immense challenges, also illuminated the critical importance of long-term financial stability for nonprofits. This has shone a spotlight on planned giving and legacy gifts, recognizing them not just as a bonus, but as indispensable cornerstones for building robust endowment funds.

So, how are forward-thinking nonprofits seizing this moment, and what truly motivates donors to secure an organization’s future for generations to come?

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Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Estate Tax Mitigation, Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management

Safeguarding Your Legacy: Essential Estate Tax Strategies for Married Couples

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
01
Jun

 

For married couples who have built multimillion-dollar estates, the thought of substantial estate tax liabilities can be daunting. With current federal exemptions facing a dramatic reduction after 2025, the urgency to plan has never been greater. The good news? A sophisticated arsenal of planning tools exists to help you significantly minimize, or even eliminate, these taxes, ensuring more of your hard-earned wealth passes to your loved ones, not the taxman.

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401(k) Plan Litigation, 401(k) Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, IRA Contributions, Roth Contributions, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Traditional vs. Roth 401(k): Your Ultimate Retirement Planning Guide

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
31
May

 

Choosing the right retirement savings vehicle can feel like navigating a maze, but it’s one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your financial future. When it comes to employer-sponsored plans, the classic showdown is between the Traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Both offer powerful ways to save for retirement, but their distinct tax advantages and potential drawbacks mean the “best” choice is highly personal.

Let’s break down each option, helping you decide which path aligns best with your current financial situation, expected future income, and long-term goals.

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Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Fiduciary Advisor, IRA Contributions, Roth Contributions, Roth IRA Conversion, Roth vs. Traditional Contributions, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

The Roth IRA Conversion Conundrum: Is It Right for Your Retirement?

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
27
May

 

Deciding what to do with your retirement savings can feel like navigating a maze. Among the many financial choices, converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA stands out as one with significant long-term implications. It’s a move that can fundamentally reshape your retirement income and tax picture for decades to come. So, how do you know if making the switch is the smart play for your future? Let’s break down the compelling reasons why a Roth conversion might be a brilliant strategy, and why, for some, it might be a step to reconsider.

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401(k) Plans, 403(b) Plans, Defined Contribution Plans, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, ERISA, Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting a 403(B) Plan Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

The 403(b) Revolution is Coming: What Fiduciaries Must Know About CITs

Posted on by admin
21
May

The retirement landscape for millions of public sector and non-profit employees is on the cusp of a groundbreaking shift. For years, 403(b) plans—the retirement vehicles for teachers, hospital workers, clergy, and many non-profit staff—have operated with a significant disadvantage compared to their 401(k) counterparts. But a recent legislative breakthrough in Washington D.C. is set to change that, potentially unleashing a wave of benefits for participants and new responsibilities for plan fiduciaries.

On May 20, 2025, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee advanced H.R. 1013, aptly named the “Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025.” This isn’t just another piece of legislative jargon; it’s a bill that, if passed, will open the door for 403(b) plans to invest in Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) for the very first time.

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Medicare Advantage, Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, Medicare IRMAA, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Traditional Medicare, Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Don’t Let the Medicare IRMAA Ambush Your Retirement: How to Avoid or Appeal the Surcharge

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
17
May

 

Retirement is a time many of us envision with ease, filled with newfound freedom and financial security. Yet, for a growing number of retirees, an unexpected and often substantial expense can quickly cast a shadow on those golden years: the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. Often dubbed a “stealth tax,” IRMAA can significantly inflate your Medicare premiums, turning a planned budget upside down.

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Alternative Investments, Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Chicago Area Private Wealth, Family Office, Fiduciary Advisor, Financial Planning, Hinsdale Investment Advisor, Private Wealth, Real Estate, Real Estate Sale, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Selling a Business, Wealth Management, Western Chicago Suburbs Investment Advisor

Unlocking Your Real Estate Windfall: Why an Investment Advisor is Your Essential Partner

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
17
May

 

Selling a real estate asset – be it a strategic rental property or a bustling commercial building – is more than just a transaction. It’s often a transformative financial milestone, representing years of dedicated equity building, meticulous planning, and unwavering hard work. The substantial proceeds from such a sale are a testament to your efforts.

But here’s the critical question: What comes next? The decisions you make with this newfound capital are just as vital as the sale itself. Navigating the intricate landscape of taxes, identifying lucrative investment opportunities, and securing your long-term financial stability demands a level of expertise many of us don’t possess. This is precisely where the seasoned guidance of an experienced investment advisor becomes not just valuable, but essential.

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Fiduciary Advisor, Non-Fiduciary Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor

Your Financial Future Deserves a Champion: Why a Fiduciary Advisor is Non-Negotiable

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
08
May

 

Let’s talk about your money. Your hard-earned savings, your retirement dreams, your kids’ college fund – they all hinge on smart decisions. And when it comes to getting advice on those crucial financial moves, who are you trusting? This isn’t a minor detail; it’s the difference between truly personalized guidance and advice that might have a hidden agenda.

The core of it boils down to one critical question: Is your advisor a fiduciary?

If you’re not sure what that means, or why it matters, buckle up. Because understanding this distinction is the single most important step you can take to protect your financial future.

Excerpt content here and here.

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Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Investment Strategy, Market Volatility, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax Loss Harvesting: Strategies and Portfolio Integration for Optimal After-Tax Returns

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
07
May

Unlocking Your Wealth: The Power of Tax Loss Harvesting

Ever wondered how some investors seem to maximize their returns, even in volatile markets? One of their secret weapons might be a sophisticated, yet accessible, strategy called Tax Loss Harvesting. Often overlooked, this powerful technique can significantly boost your after-tax investment returns, allowing more of your hard-earned money to grow and compound over time.

At its core, tax loss harvesting involves strategically selling investments at a loss in your taxable accounts. Why would you do that? To offset capital gains from other investments, and potentially even reduce your ordinary income tax liability. Let’s dive into how this smart financial move works and how you can integrate it into your portfolio for optimal results.

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Active Management, Active Versus Passive Management, Alternative Investments, Hedge Funds, Index Funds, Liquid Alternatives, Liquid Alts, Passive Management, Private Equity, Real Assets Investing, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Tax-Loss Harvesting

Active vs. Passive: Tailoring Investment Strategies to Asset Classes

Posted on by Jennifer Lambert
13
Apr

 

When it comes to investing, the age-old debate of active management versus passive management isn’t just about personal preference; it’s deeply tied to the unique characteristics of different asset classes and how efficient their markets are. Understanding where each approach shines can be a game-changer for optimizing returns, managing risk, and keeping costs down.

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